Ecoimmune reallocation in a native lizard in response to the presence of invasive, venomous fire ants in their shared environment

• DOI: 10.1002/jez.2418
• Publication Date: 2020-10-10T14:20:10Z
• Authors: Catherine Tylan; Maria Horvat‐Gordon; Paul A. Bartell; Tracy Langkilde
• Keywords: Fire ant

Abstract Exposure to stressors over prolonged periods can have fitness‐relevant consequences, including suppression of immune function. We tested for effects presence an invasive species threat on a broad panel functions coexisting lizard. Eastern fence lizards ( Sceloporus undulatus ) been exposed fire ants Solenopsis invicta 80 years. Fire sting and envenomate lizards, causing physiological stress, but we do not comprehensive understanding the consequences lizard exposure ant presence. conducted suite measures caught from areas with long histories invasion yet invaded by ants. The effect immunity varied depending component measured: within areas, some portions were suppressed (lymphocytic cell‐mediated immunity, complement), unaffected (phagocytic respiratory burst, natural antibodies), enhanced (anti‐fire immunoglobulin M, basophils) compared uninvaded areas. Rather than being broadly immunosuppressing, as generally assumed, response appears be tailored this specific stressor: that are important lizards' ability handle envenomation, whereas those or less critical surviving encounters. Several in reproductive females when actively producing follicles, which may make them more susceptible immunosuppressive costs such interactions